BRYAN, Texas — As COVID-19 cases spike across Texas and the United States, CHI St. Joseph Health in Bryan is increasing its capacity to test for the coronavirus and other viruses.
The hospital system recently received an $8.6 million grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services to support increased COVID-19 testing for the community.
The funds allow CHI St. Joseph Health to hire more staff for their laboratory and buy equipment specifically for COVID-19 and flu testing.
The new equipment is currently the most accurate test method available for COVID-19 and allows the hospital system to increase their testing capacity to up to 3,000 tests a day.
It also allows the St. Joseph Health laboratory services team to respond with test results much more quickly, in one to two days instead of the three to five days it has taken in the past.
“We’re thankful to continue to be in a position to support our community during this pandemic and are grateful for the many community partnerships that allow us to do that. This project in particular was made possible through the collaboration of our partnerships with Texas A&M Health Science Center and the Texas Department of State Health Services,” said Theron Park, President and CEO of St. Joseph Health.
“Through community relationships and innovative thinking such as this project, we are even more prepared to care for those in our community as we move into the winter months and flu season.”
St. Joseph Health is hoping to hire up to 30 medical technologists and non-technical staff to support the COVID-19 testing needs of the area.
